BOSTON – Emmanuel College Director of Athletics Olivia Berry was honored by the Women in Sports and Events (WISE), Boston Chapter, as the 2023 recipient of the Rising Star Award, as announced by WISE Boston at an awards ceremony held at the Auerbach Center on Monday, Dec. 11.
Berry, who was named the Director of Athletics at Emmanuel College just 10 months ago in February 2023, has continued to make significant strides in the Emmanuel Community, including adding more full-time coaches to the staff, creating new jobs via the NCAA Grant Positions, and streamlining several administrative processes in the athletic department, among several other improvements throughout the College.
“I’m incredibly honored and humbled to receive this award from WISE Boston,” said Berry. “To be recognized as a Rising Star from this organization and to win this award in a group that includes some amazing up-and-coming women in the industry, is an accomplishment that I am proud of.”
The Rising Star Award honors a rising female in the industry who has spent ten or a few years exemplifying the spirit of the WISE Mission. This team member is equally regarded by their colleagues and is looking to take the industry by storm as they gain more experience and make further connections.
Berry started her tenure at Emmanuel as the head coach of the Softball program in 2017 and steadily climbed the administrative ranks with promotions to Senior Woman Administrator (SWA) in 2020 and Assistant Athletic Director in 2021, before taking the Director of Athletics position in February.
“This 10 months as Director of Athletics has been an incredible journey,” said Berry. “Although there are many goals yet to be accomplished, I’m confident that between myself, our administration, our staff, and our coaches, we are moving forward in the right direction and only scratching the surface of what this department can become.”
Established in 1993, WISE’s Mission is to empower women in the business of sports with the tools to reach their career goals. Through peer support, mentoring programs, and professional development and training, WISE strives to help members maximize their potential, sharpen their skills, and advance their careers at every stage of their professional journeys.
The Boston Chapter is one of 24 chapters around the country and celebrates its members with a signature event every December called Women of Inspiration. Each chapter celebrates a Woman of Inspiration and many chapters have additional awards.
WISE Boston celebrates a Rising Star, Student, Mentor, Community Engagement Champion, and Philanthropic Leader. Jamad Fiin (‘22) received the Community Engagement Award last year to celebrate her work putting on basketball camps around the globe.